What is the difference between a goal and a dream?

With many things in life, people have a goal and people have a dream.  The question I pose to you is, “When does a dream become a goal?” 

This is the story of two frogs.   A story that poses the question, “What can we accomplish when are backs are against the wall?”  I hope you enjoy the story, and read into the philosophical points it represents!

Alan Average Frog vs. Fanny Fantastic Frog

Two frogs were hopping along a dirt path one day.  One was named Fanny Fantastic Frog, and other was named Alan Average Frog.  The two didn’t know each other, but happened to meet while hopping along.

They were talking, hopping, and having some fun when they accidentally went one hop too far, directly into a deep wagon wheel rut.  Both frogs had encountered dips and ruts along the way, but it had been raining, and the rut formed at this particular spot was extra wide and deep.

Now, Fanny Fantastic Frog was not at all concerned.  She knew that while it was tough, it was very possible to get out.  Alan Average Frog, however, was very worried.  He had never jumped that high before, and was worried that he would never get out.

Fanny Fantastic Frog said, “Watch me Alan.  I’ll show you how it’s done!”  Then Fanny Fantastic Frog started hopping from one end to the other, and leaped high into the air, did a back flip and landed safely outside the rut.

Alan Average Frog was amazed!  “I can do that!” he thought.  So he hopped from one end to the other, leaped, crashed into the wall, and came tumbling down.  I can’t do it! He exclaimed with disappointment.

With that, Fanny Fantastic Frog jumped back in and said, “Well, why don’t you try this?”  She started hopping quickly and leaped high into the air and did a flip with a half twist and landed safely outside the rut.

Again, Alan Average Frog was amazed!  “I’ll try that!” he thought.  So he hopped from one end to the other, leaped, crashed into the wall, and came tumbling down again.  “I can’t do that either!”  He exclaimed, with even more disappointment.

Fanny Fantastic Frog rolled her eyes, jumped back in and said, “Well, let’s try one more thing.”  She started hopping quickly and this time simply leaped into the air and landed safely outside the rut.

Now, Alan Average Frog was hopeful!  “I should easily be able to do that!” he thought.  So he hopped from one end to the other, leaped, crashed into the wall, and came tumbling down again.  He shook his weary head and yelled, “I can’t do that either!  I’ll never get out of here!”

He then looked at Fanny and told her,  ”I give up.  I guess I was just meant to live here.”  Upon hearing that, Fanny Fantastic Frog was disappointed about losing her new found friend, but thought to herself, “I must carry on.”  Then she hopped down the road.

A couple days later, while Fanny was sitting on a lily pad getting a drink, Alan Average Frog came hopping down the road.  Fanny was overjoyed at the sight of her friend, and wondered how he ever got out of the rut.

She called him over and the two sat and talked.  “How did you finally get out of the rut?” she asked.  Alan Average Frog said, “I kept trying and trying, but kept failing.  Just as I was about to give up completely, I looked down the road and saw a wagon wheel coming.  I knew I HAD to get out then!”

What’s the difference between a goal and a dream?

Putting it simply, a goal is a dream with a deadline.  Too often, we wish for something, and tell everyone including ourselves, that “It is my goal to buy a house in the country” or “It is my goal to do this business full time instead of part time” or even “It’s my goal to earn $300”.  However, unless you set a specific deadline, and develop a plan of action, it is only a dream.

Too many learn this lesson the hard way.   The biggest problem encountered along the way, is the lack of necessity.  Until we are desperate, the need is not really there. 

Remember:  There are two types of motivation:  Inspiration and desperation.  If we can achieve motivation through inspiration and not wait around for desperation, we could accomplish so much more!